“Westlight and the Slick Lawson foundation provided some of the most important skills and opportunities which allowed me to grow as a creative. Working alongside the best people and on different sets, I was provided the knowledge and confidence to find larger scale projects and careers in the media industry.”

“Even as an established photographer, I found it extremely beneficial to join the program to up my photography game. I cannot thank Westlight, the Slick Lawson Foundation and Michael Gomez enough for bestowing fresh knowledge and propagating invaluable tools for this unique trade. Gomez has always said: “When you walk through those doors (the Westlight Studio doors, that is), magic happens.” I believed it and still do!

“My time interning for Michael at Westlight Studios was absolutely transformative for me both as a photographer but also as a young adult. Michael was instrumental in fostering my love for and understanding of photography. Westlight Studios provided a nurturing environment to develop the technical skills I would later need to launch my career as a fine art photographer.”

“Very few people and organizations give newer creators the opportunity to explore and advance their skill sets in the way Michael and the Slick Lawson Foundation do. Michael is so generous with his time and resources, and his support has helped me and countless others advance our careers in way we never would have imagined otherwise.”

“Westlight Studio is a very magical place. I showed up to the studio in my late 30’s, which is a little older than most interns at Westlight Studios. Even though I was a little older the studio took me and taught almost everything I know. Because of Westlight Studio I can following my dreams even at my age.”

“Being an intern at Westlight came at the exact right time in my life and I am so grateful for the opportunity. I came in with no studio experience whatsoever, and everyone was so patient and helpful. I got to be a part of so many incredible sets and formed connections that led to even more opportunities. I am especially grateful for the many opportunities I had to work with Alysse Gafkjen as a photo assistant. I am now studying in London and hope to continue on the path toward becoming a professional photojournalist. Weslight will always be an important milestone in my photography journey.”

“While I've had several great mentors, my most influential is Michael Gomez. Fortunately, I met Gomez because I spoke at an event hosted at Westlight years ago. Since meeting him, he has taken the time to get to know me, advise me on my career and allow me to ask questions without judgment or impatience; all without ever being a Westlight intern. No one helps me realize my own potential the way Michael Gomez does. “

“From my time at Westlight, I have learned a lesson not only useful in a career as a photographer, but for life: You have to learn how to serve - others first and then yourself. Michael lives by that example because later, when I returned to Nashville for my first big assignment, he surprised me at the airport to pick me up and act as a 2nd assistant on the shoot. I will never forget that display of support.”

“Westlight was my starting point, Michael gave me all the knowledge and set experience to begin in the industry.”

“Michael Gomez has been my Fairy Godfather for the last 8 years. I walked in on my first week of interning and quickly was on set assisting, paid by the way. A few short weeks later, Michael literally handed me my first semi-pro camera AND modeling agency gig. Working at Westlight was not only a stepping stone into a photo career, but it was also a place to learn, a place to connect, a place I didn’t know existed. In my time there, I’ve met and worked with the likes of David Bean to Robby Klein, to Russ Harrington to walking in on Jeff Carpenter’s workshops and connecting with Paul C. Buff. Even further, meeting Mayur Phadtare and Kris Orlowski, who then connected me with Calvin Nowell which led me to photographing CeCe Winans. I could go on and on about my experience. Overall, I’m truly thankful for Michael opening the doors (and the couch to sleep on) at Westlight for me. He saw potential in me from the very beginning and never stopped pushing and believing in me. I’ll always be grateful for that.”

"I started my college internship with Michael Gomez when I was attending Belmont University in 1995 studying graphic design. I knew I wanted to do both photography and computer design. I had already been familiar with photography since before high school and knew that the best was to learn photography was not in a classroom, but practically and hands-on with a professional. Michael took me on as an intern and immediately saw that I had an eye and a passion to learn. He always called me a “horse biting at the bit”, encouraging me along the way, but also making sure I learned as much as possible before going out on my own. As an intern at Studio Daylight, Michael helped me learn the nuances of studio portraiture and lighting, and also gave me insight into the business side of photography as a freelancer, and how to care for and manage a studio space. Michael was at that time very new to computers and was also able to benefit from my knowledge and learn from me. It became a mutually beneficial master/apprentice relationship.

Michael also introduced me to his mentor, Slick Lawson, who had recently retired from photography, but also had a lifetime of incredible experience to share and knowledge to pass on. Slick not only passed on knowledge, but equipment as well, and gave me his old darkroom sink and enlargers which I put to good use at my home before the days of digital photography finally started to arrive.

Having mentors has been one of the most vital elements in having a successful career. Even after 25 years of being a professional, I still consider Michael a mentor, and am extremely grateful for the opportunity to learn from him. He has always provided a space for photographers to work and grow, and still shares his knowledge hands-on with anyone eager to learn. It is extremely fitting that Westlight Studios is dedicated to his mentor Slick Lawson, who instilled the importance and spirit of mentoring/apprenticing."

“I met Michael while doing a photojournalism assignment in Franklin, TN. We became fast friends that day. He invited me up to his studio and introduced me to the world of commercial photography. I was in awe. I decided then that I wanted to become a commercial photographer. Michael guided me through the business, and technical side of commercial photography. Westlight Studios gave me the opportunity and access to equipment and networking that I needed to launch my career.”

“I had an internship with Michael Gomez and he eventually became a mentor. Michael taught me the value of helping the next guy and becoming successful together. Michael is not only a great photographer, but he is also a great teacher in all aspects of photography, video, lighting, and life. His insight and connections around town are immense and well rooted. I believe Slick Lawson had a major influence on Gomez in that respect. He is one of the best people I know and it is a pleasure to call him my friend.”

Westlight is the ultimate studio. The dressing rooms, the coffee bar & kitchen are great hangouts. It’s the East side of the building I absolutely love. It has everything a normal studio wishes it had. So many nooks and crannies to create cool concepts. I’ve shot there for many years and will continue do so in the future. My clients absolutely love Westlight.

Interning at Westlight Studios over my summer breaks in college has been the best thing to ever happen to me. I have grown so much since the first day I walked in. I’ve had the chance to work on some major shoots with big name talent and creators. Seeing the process that photographers and videographers use to make great content has helped me excel in my own career and become a better creative along the way. The studio has also enabled me to build long lasting connections with like minded people who love what they do. I was encouraged to start my journey with fpv drones during my first summer at Westlight Studios and I am so glad that I did. I owe a lot to the studio for the opportunities it has brought to me and I will continue to intern there for the summers to come. I want to give a big thank you to Michael Gomez for being the stepping stone for me and all of the other people he has helped to begin doing photography or videography as a full time career.

Westlight Studios allowed me to participate in the kind of work that I had spent years dreaming of. I am endlessly grateful for Michael encouraging me to engage with the space, equipment, and community that he put at my disposal.